Smart snacking strategies {interview and giveaway!}-ENDED

Hi friends 🙂 Just now winding down from the day’s events- hope you had a happy Friday!

Since tomorrow is a teaching day, I try to plan out (and make) the snacks I’ll need the night before. I try to have lots of little snacks throughout the day to keep my energy up, without being too heavy and weighing me down. It’s hard to booty-shake with a very full belly.

and whatever random treats we have in the locker room. Guests and coworkers like to surprise us with goodies 🙂

I was offered the opportunity to do a video chat with Ellie Krieger, but since I was teaching all day that day, I had to miss it. I’ve been a huge fan of Ellie Krieger’s for quite a while -I used to watch her Food Network show every Saturday- and love that she focuses on clean, whole foods. Ellie Krieger is also a registered dietitian- her dishes are extremely flavorful and health-conscious at the same time.

The representative who organized the event was so kind to interview Ellie on my behalf. I was interested in hearing her responses to two of the suggested interview questions, and the third is my own:

1. What is the problem with oversnacking and how many Americans are at risk of doing it?2. What are some creative ways to turn everyday (and traditionally unhealthy!) snacks into Super Snacks?

3. What do you do if you have a snack and are still hungry? Any key tips to making snacks more satisfying?

Here’s what she had to say:

(the interview and this giveaway are both sponsored by California Grapes)

My responses to the questions:

1. What is the problem with oversnacking and how many Americans are at risk of doing it?

I think that oversnacking is definitely a problem because it’s an answer to pretty much anything. Nothing to do? Have a snack. Tired? Have a snack. Your boyfriend is being a punk? Have a snack. And it goes on and on. While I’m obviously a huge snacker myself, I think it’s often done for the wrong reasons (like not actually being hungry, but rather because you’re bored, tired, emotional, etc) and choosing the wrong types of snacks. I think it’s a great idea to snack throughout the day to keep your metabolism functioning well, but choosing healthy snacks (with protein and an emphasis on fresh fruits/veggies) is important.2. What are some creative ways to turn everyday (and traditionally unhealthy!) snacks into Super Snacks?

One of my favorite healthier version of a “traditional” snack is instead of having chips, enjoy some dehydrated or baked zucchini or kale chips. I’m also a huge fan of Pop Chips. I actually like them better than potato chips and the sweet potato flavor is ridiculous.

3. What do you do if you have a snack and are still hungry? Any key tips to making snacks more satisfying?

I think it’s a good idea to make sure you have a combo of carbs, fats and protein in each meal and snack to make it more satisfying. Whenever I have pure sugar or carbs, I’m hungry about 4 seconds later. One of my favorite combos right now is a piece of toast with marinara and goat cheese, topped with oregano and red chili flakes. Pizza toast!

So tell me friends, what’s your snack strategy? Do you have the same amount of snacks each day or go with the flow? What’s your most satisfying snack combo?

On the days I don’t teach, I’ll have two snacks and 3 meals. The days I teach, depending on what kind of day it is, I’ll end up having as many as 5 or 6 snacks in addition to my meals.

Congratulations to the winner! Tasha, who said:

I love Ellie Krieger! I remember when she first came on the food network, I was super excited that they finally featured a healthy chef, who doesn’t use processed foods the way the Hungry Girl does. My favorite snack is roasted chickpeas, with cumin and paprika. Great snack and wonderful source of protein.

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393 Comments

karlaon June 24, 2012 at 3:06 pm

this is something I really need help with. I don’t snack all day but then after dinner my so-called snack is 8 cookies, a heaping bowl of premium ice cream AND 1-2 candy bars. ugh! I wish I could eat like you!

I kind of snack all day long without really eating a big meal . . . and it usually consists of raw veggies, hummus, yogurt, fruit, and beef/chicken/salmon jerky. I get so busy, I don’t take time out for a real “lunch”. My coworkers always wonder how I can be so fit yet constantly eating – it really matters what you snack on – they depend on the vending machines here and there really are no healthy options in there! But if I’m really stressing – I will opt for something chocolate!

I don’t usually snack during the day, which might be something I need to change. The only time I tend to snack is right before bed, if my dinner wasn’t satisfying enough. I tend to choose carbs in that case. I’ll have to make a conscious effort to snack on more fruits and veggies during the day!

I tend to go with the flow, depending on my work schedule. I usually have a Larabar with me or try to keep fresh fruit on hand. Hummus and tortillas are another favorite.
Great giveaway. I’m excited about the macaroons!

I always plan snacks every day, I think it helps keep my energy levels up. My standard go-to snack is a fruit or vegetable with a protein and fat. I love cocoa almonds with fruit, veggies with hummus, and fruit or veggies with low fat cheese. when I’m traveling I usually eat a protein bar.

I’ve always been pretty good about monitoring my diet, but the stress of finals and then immediately starting a new job and moving (all within a week) has kind of made my eating habits go haywire. As a general rule, I’ve never been much of a snacker– just a full meal kind of girl. But between all the Life Events and the appetite-reducing heat wave, all I’ve done is snack instead of full meals! Hopefully soon, I’ll be back to my normal schedule. Three meals a day plus approximately eighteen gallons of water.

I totally go with the flow when it comes to snacks. Some days I don’t feel hungry at all between meals and other days I’m ravenous – I find it’s best to listen to my body. On average I would say I have 3 meals and 2-3 small snacks a day.

My snacks are pretty preschool:) I love apples w peanutbutter, string cheese, carrots dipped in salad dressing, and greek yogurt with berries. I do love Larabars especially on the go. Where did you get your smoothie cup? Love the built in straw!

Go with the flow, but love to snack! I need snacks always in the am. My metabolism seems to be higher before lunch and I’m usually starving before 10am, even if I’ve had breakfast. Greek yogurt with fruit and stevia is my fav, but sometimes I’ll do almonds and string cheese or half a sandwich.

I want to try making some macaroons…can’t say that I’ve ever made them. I am not a big snacker at all. I love Ellie & have one of her first cookbooks. Would love to win the comfort food one as well as the grape book.

just so happens that i bought some organic red seedless california grapes at the market earlier today… 99 cents a lb!! woot woot.. haha but ive been loving me some yogurt with canned pumpkin and peanut butter all swirled together lately. holy crap its good

I will usually snack more or less depending on my activity level. If its a workout day I will snack about 3 times versus 1 or 2 on non workout days. My fave snacks include hummus, smoothies, grapes, tofu, guac and a handful of nuts or 2. I love snacking!!

I usually stagger my snacks after lunch and before dinner and then one a while after dinner so that I can pretend my after dinner snack is like my dessert 🙂 That being said, I love to snack on fresh veges and fruit with almond butter or just raw! Nuts and my all time favorite: wasabi peas!! delicious.

I snack once between breakfast and lunch, and once between lunch and dinner. I try not to have something sugary, like a cookie, because that’s a surefire way to make me hungry minutes later. My go-to snack is fruit with peanut butter or veggies and hummus.

I feel like I am constantly snacking at work! I’m a nurse so sometimes lunches can be a few minutes here and there. I like to bring things that will give me energy and not leave me dragging so I’ll pack greek yogurt, bananas with a quick smear of almond butter, BARS–lots of yummy bars, and just random nuts/dried fruits. 🙂

I try not to snack too much, and when I do get hungry its usually at night. Depending on my craving I will have Trader Joe’s Wasabi Sea Weed or some Greek yogurt with fruit. I always try to satisfy my craving though-otherwise I will just keep going!

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